After decreasing Covid-19 cases, Portugal eases lockdown

Pedro Costa’s eyes shone with joy this Monday (5), when Portugal entered the second phase of easing the lockdown from Covid-19, which finally allows you to return to loyal customers at your small coffee kiosk in the center of Lisbon.

“This lockdown has been more painful, but it is good that we are reopening,” said the 30-year-old trader. “It’s the best day: the restart. It’s time to move on, and I hope we don’t have to take a step back.”

Portugal imposed a lockdown in January to control what was then the worst shot of Covid-19 in the world, but strict rules were gradually relaxed from March 15, when hairdressers, bookstores and schools for younger children reopened.

On Monday, cafes, restaurants, museums, markets and food-free markets, small stores, middle schools and fitness centers were allowed to open their doors.

At the Lemonfit gym, coordinator Joana Silva, 33, was delighted to help people get back into shape after more than two months of training. lockdown.

“The impact that the coronavirus had on fitness centers was devastating,” said Silva. “We are still evaluating it, but it was undoubtedly disastrous, not only financially, but also physically and psychologically.”

Portugal accumulates 823,355 cases and 16,879 deaths from Covid, but infection rates have decreased.